72

Vaults with guiding arches. Sant Cristòfol in . 73 Vitruvio International journal of Architecture Technology and Sustainability Volume 3 Is 1

Bricked vaults of the 18th century Valencian hall churches: graphical representation, constructive and pathological analysis

Beatriz Sáez Riquelme1 1 Departamento Ennginyeria de Sistemes Industrials i Dissey, Universitat Jaume I

ABSTRACT

The efficient recovery of historic buildings is only possible through a deep knowledge of traditional construction systems. This article focuses on the study and analysis of the vaults of a group of temples located in the Spanish Levante region, the Valencian hall churches, inspired by the European architectural model known as “Hallenkirche”. Erected during the second half of the 18th century, to the north of the , they make up a constructive group limited in space and time, likely to constitute an ideal entity for investigation. The peculiarity of this type of churches lies in its vaults, which spring from a common height. The main contribution of this research is its graphically schematized constructive classification, as well as the unveiling of their composition and the verification of the use of various counterfort systems. This study concludes with the analysis of the aforementioned vaults pathologies, derived from possible structural movements and expressed in the form of fissures, providing the classification thereof based on their location, and quantifying and assessing them. In order to achieve the stated objectives, it has been necessary to carry out technical inspections of the vaults, both from their intrados and extrados, obtaining data through its direct intake and through deduction methods.

KEYWORDS brick-vault, hall-church, graphical-representation, construction, pathology

https://doi.org/10.4995/vitruvio-ijats.2018.10091 74

1. INTRODUCTION Figure 1. Vaults of the archpriestal church of Vila-real

1.1 HISTORICAL CONTEXT on a migratory exodus to the north of the Kingdom of Valencia, fostered the dissemination of the model The hallenkirche model is etymologically German, and its construction techniques in this area. Unlike the and spread from the Teutonic country to the rest of previous ones, which were Gothic, these churches fall Europe, especially during the 14th century. The first within a style of transition, influenced by the lines of Spanish hall church with naves at the same height is the late Baroque and early Neoclassicism. the Colegiata de Berlanga de Duero (1526), (Martínez Between 1742 and 1799, seventeen temples were 1980: 358-371), which was then followed by a large built in the Kingdom of Valencia (Bautista 2002: 31- number of cathedrals and minor temples, some of 41). Although this model is characterized by real which should be specifically pointed out, due to their spatial grandeur, it was applied to different types of influence on the Valencian ones, like those built in the temples, and thus adapted to very different sizes. city of Zaragoza, and more specifically, the Cathedral- From the latter on, these type of churches continued to Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. be internationally influenced. Firstly, at the beginning The master builders of the neighbouring Kingdom of of the 19th century, master builders and construction Aragon, who in the mid-eighteenth century embarked friars began to find it difficult to continue working as 75 Vitruvio International journal of Architecture Technology and Sustainability Volume 3 Is 1

Town / Village code Date Temple’s noum Benifairó de les Valls BG 1773-1790 Church San Gil (parish) Culla CC ¿?-1781 Hermitage San Cristóbal CP 1763-1782 Church San Pedro Apóstol (parish) Càlig CS ¿1776?-1785 Sanctuary Madre de Dios del Socorro Les Coves de Vinromá LA 1774?-1793(+) Church Asunción de Nuestra Señora (parish) Montán MA Curch Santa Ana 1781- 1787 (Ex-Monastery servita la Madre de Dios de los Dolores) PA 1742-1750 Church Asunción de Nuestra Señora (parish) Quart de les Valls QM Church San Miguel (parish) 1776-1780 (Ex-Monastery servita del Pie de la Cruz y del Santo Sepulcro

Figure 2. RC 1766-1777/81 Church San Cristóbal (parish) Mapped dispersion Suera SA 1773-1797? Church Asunción de Nuestra Señora (parish) del Maestrat VB 1773-1794 Hermitage Santa Bárbara VE (-) 1763-¿? Church San Juan Evangelista (parish) Vinaròs VG 1780-1799 Hermitage San Gregorio (Planos 1752) Vila-real VJ 1752-1779 Archpriestal church San Jaime Apóstol (parish)

Vilar de Canes VL 1781?-1786 Church San Lorenzo Mártir (parish) San Vicente de Pedrahita VV Church San Vicente Ferrer (parish) 1770-1781 (Ex-Monastery Dominico)

Table 1. 18th Valencian Hall Churches 76

architects so they were forced to move towards the bibliographical research in scientific publications, Principality of Catalonia and the New World (South architectural execution projects and original plans. America). It was at the end of the century that this model broke into North America, reaching again its 2.2 TYPES OF VAULTS zenith at the beginning of the 20th century, thanks to the civil work of Guastavino, descendant of one Types of vaults according to their location in the of those Aragonese master builders who, in the 18th temples century, helped spread the model in Valencian lands (Vegas 2012: 133-156). In the central nave, the most commonly used vaults were found to be barrel vaults with straight lunettes 1.2 FORMAL CONFIGURATION OF THE TEMPLES (70.6%), which were also sometimes curved (17.6%), and, to a lesser extent, sail vaults (11.8%). These are temples with three naves, where the central As for the lateral naves, these spaces were generally one is wider than the lateral ones or aisles, and the covered by groined vaults (76.5%), although it is transept of which is flush with the lateral façade walls, also worth pointing out the use of barrel vaults with constituting rectangular floor plans consisting on straight (5.85%) and curved (5.85%) lunettes, as well various numbers of bays. as sail vaults (11.8%). The key feature of this model, its diaphaneity, is In the aligned transept, the type of vaults used was the result, on the one hand, of the use of pillars as generally the same as in the central nave, that is, backbone elements of the space, guiding each of the barrel vaults with straight (58.9%) and curved (17.6%) sections and, on the other hand, of the use of a unified lunettes and sail vaults (5.85%). There were only three height level, with vaults springing at the same height, cases in which the vaults of the transept differed which is defined by the plinths located on the running from those of the naves, using unique vaults such as knot cornice (Sáez 2017: 38-47). the five-panel lunette vault (11.8%) and the double groined vault (5.85%). 2. MORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF On their part, the crossings enjoyed a great variety of cupola. They could be classified in inner and outer THE VAULTS cupola, where 41% were hidden under the roof and featured the following characteristics. First of all, it 2.1 METHODOLOGY was noted that 65% of these vaults lacked a drum or The strategy of the research conducted was based on tambour, resorting to sail vaults (29.4%), semicircular graphic data acquisition by means of the combination domes (29.4%), and a segmental domes (5.85%). For of manual and mechanical methods (Sáez and their part, 35% of these vaults did rest on a tambour, Pitarch 2015: 12-19). We used a total station for the using in this case stilted domes (23.55%), and measurement of xyz coordinates, which were then semicircular domes, both on an octagonal tambour verified by an electronic distance measurement (EDM) (11.8%). instrument, in order to obtain general dimensions, Most of them projected outwards (59%). The most and flexometers in some specific circumstances. commonly used domes were the stilted ones (29.4%), The analysis of their constructive composition was followed by semicircular domes (17.6%), both resting carried out through their organoleptic inspection, on octagonal tambours. Being the segmental dome paying special attention to aspects like thicknesses, on octagonal tower breaks, fissures and flaking, and then engaging in tambour (5.85%), and the segmental dome on deduction and generalization methods. octagonal tambour with blind lantern (5.85%) unique In addition, we also resorted to performing a cases. 77 Vitruvio International journal of Architecture Technology and Sustainability Volume 3 Is 1

CODE CN LN AT P CR (inner) CR (outer) Completion decade 50-60 – Influence King of Aragon PA BL A BL QS with L+R G - CL G A BL BL G - VE BL A BL B SC over OT SC over OT Completion decade 70-80 CC BL A AA AA G - RC BL A BL QS ST over OT ST over OT VV BL A BL BL SC - CP BL A L L SG over OTl SG over OD CS BL A BL BL + QS SC ST over OT VB BL A BL BL G - VL BL A BL QS G - Completion decade 90 – Influence of Academy BG BL G BL L SC SG over OTL MA BL A / BL BL BL SC - QM BCL BCL BCL QS SC SC over CT LA BCL G BCL BCL SC over OT SC over OT SA BCL A BCL B ST over OT ST over OTL VJ BL A L L ST over OT ST over OT VG G A G QS over S SG ST over OT LEGEND

PARTS OF A CHURCH// AT: Aligned Transept, CN: Central Nave, CR: Crossing, LN: Lateral Nave, P: Presbytery VAULTS// A: Arris, AA: double Arris, B: Burrel, BL: Burrel with Straight Lunettes, BCL: Burrel with Curved Lunnettes, G: Groined, L: of Lunettes, QS: Quarter Sphere CUPOLA/DOME// G: Goined, SC:Semicircular, SG: Segmental, ST: Stilted S: over Scallops, L: over Lunnettes, R: Ribs TAMBOUR/DRUM// CT: Cylindrical, OD: Octogonal Dome, OT: Octogonal, OTL: Octogonal Tambour with Lantern

Table 2. Type of vaults 78

Influences and y periods Transition period (41%). It was also possible for us to The analysis of the formal configuration of the vaults establish an eclectic period between the Aragonese allowed us to define clear periods, directly linked to and the academic influence stages. This period the influences received. was characterised by its adherence to some of the Aragonese influence (17.6%). The greatest impact of guidelines of the previous period, such as the use of the Aragonese model concerning the vaults occurred barrel vaults with straight lunettes in the central nave during the first stage of dissemination of the model and groined vaults in the lateral ones. But, above all, in Valencian lands, which ended between the 1750s by experimenting with new types of vaults: double and 1760s. The Aragonese stereotype was inspired groined vaults and lunette vaults in the aligned by the church of Santa María la Mayor de Alcañiz transepts and the presbytery; quarter sphere and (Thomson : 2006), which featured barrel vaults with lunette vaults in the presbytery; and segmented and straight lunettes in the central nave and in the aligned stilted domes on the crossing. transept, groined vaults on the lateral naves, and a face brick lantern tower dome in the crossing. 3. CONSTRUCTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE Influence of the Saint Charles Royal Academy of Fine Arts of Valencia (41%). It was especially significant VAULTS in the late eighteenth century, taking control of the architectural production and its dissemination, both Vaults being the nerve centre of this article, this section through the drawings of the Academy (Bérchez-Correl focuses purely on them but, because they should be 1981), and the construction works, especially by understood within a complete constructive context, Vicente Gascó and Antonio Gilabert, directors thereof at the end of this section there is a brief summary on during the reporting period (Bérchez 1987: 7). the constructive-structural elements linked to them The academic architecture distinguished itself by the through their loads. influence of the classical architecture. Its drawings were marked by the use of semicircular domes, which, together with segmental domes projecting outwards, 3.1 MATERIALS were Gascó’s favourite models, as confirmed by the semicircular dome of the Communion chapel in the The data collection and its comparison allowed us Archpriestal church of Vila-real or by the dome on to generalize that these were bricked vaults, which drum of the church of Our Lady of the Nativity, in featured large format bricks, usually on both sides, Villahermosa del Río (Pitarch and Sáez: 2009: 1071- and mortars of slightly variable thickness. Although 1080). the aforementioned format of the bricks used is not On the contrary, Gilabert, who also used to draw those standard, it can be established, with little margin of same idealized domes, already in his first academic deviation, that they used bricks of about 30x15.5cm work, culminated the crossing of the Church of the and around 3 and 5cm thick. Nativity of Turís (Valencia), with a two-third-diameter The number of brick rowlocks on them was also stilted dome, following the indications of Fornés and variable. For example, the vaults of Vilar de Canes Gurrea (1841: 36-37, 40), on an octagonal drum with (3cm) and (5, 7cm) featured just one lantern. He also introduced the use of curved lunettes rowlock; those of Castell de Cabres and Suera (9cm), in the parish churches of Gastalgar (1780), Callosa de San Vicente de Piedrahita, Benifairó de les Valls and En Sarriá (1765-1786) and in the project of the church Quart de les Valls (10cm), as well as the dome on the for Paterna (1782) (Bérchez 1987: 133-134, 192), to crossing of Vila-real (Soler and Soler 2012) featured which Gascó also resorted for the renovation of the two rowlocks; and the vaults of Culla (11, 12cm) Cathedral of (1791-1795). featured 3. 79 Vitruvio International journal of Architecture Technology and Sustainability Volume 3 Is 1

thickness of the perimeter walls varied between 0.55 and 1.34m. On their part, the square/starred-section pillars oscillated between 60cm and 1m, except in Vila-real that was twice that size. For the execution of the bricked vaults, they had to use work platforms allowing both their layout and the placement of the bricks, as shown by the putlog Figure 3. holes found at the base of the domes of San Vicente Rowlock de Piedrahita and San Francisco de Alcañiz, which are 1- The vaults of Vilar de Canes also hall temples. 2- The vaults of Castell de Cabres Whilst, for the execution of the arches the use of 3- The vaults of Vila-real 4- the vaults of Culla wooden centres was highly necessary, it was not needed for the erection of the bricked vaults, which, However, our research revealed some exceptions in turn, resorted to ingenious and simple contraptions regarding the materials used, such as the use of a final that allowed to secure their geometry. The simplest layer of slab covering in Culla, or the simple hollow one of these contraptions consisted on a string or line, bricks in the reconstructed vaults of Vilar de Canes which was fixed at one end, the other end being the (Más 2008: 152). one that indicated the exact position of each of the As for the rest of the elements with a direct or semi- rowlocks (Ricci 2004: 101-118). This system greatly direct structural relationship with the vaults, the simplified and cheapened the construction of vaults. following constructive aspects should be pointed out: The methods that used both strings and construction The arches on which they rest were formed by bricks levels were already known and commonly used, as or slabs of stone arranged in rowlocks and bound stated in the treaty of Friar Lorenzo de San Nicolás together with mortar. (1663). Most walls were made of ordinary masonry, which, in It is highly probable that, in order to secure the some cases, was chained in the corners by ashlars and, geometry of the vaults in Vilar de Canes and Cinctorres to a lesser extent, of horizontally coursed masonry, in the 1940s, they resorted to the use of metal or reinforced by small pilasters, and ashlar masonry. wood elements, that is, more modern tools, to define There is less data on the composition of the pillars, the geometry of these bricked vaults. although we found that there were bases formed by large-scale ashlars, as well as masonry and solid Bricking of the vaults brick reinforced pillars. Likewise, the constructive The bricking of the vaults began by making chases knowledge of other contemporary hall temples built all around their perimeter, the depth of which could in the neighbouring kingdoms, such as the Servite be established around 16cm (Thunnissen 2012: 236), Convent of Cuevas de Cañart or the Church of as shown by the space located in the first floor of the Corbera d'Ebre allowed us to guess they were made Gospel side in Quart de les Valls. of both brick and masonry (Sáez-Pitarch 2012). Once the cleaning of the chases in which the vaults were to be embedded was completed, the bricks 3.2 CONSTRUCTIVE PROCESS were moisten and then put in place. They were arranged flat, so that their bed could be seen from Previous works inside the temple. For its part, and as suggested by At the moment of erecting the vaults, their perimeter treatise writers and experience, the binder used had (walls/arches) had to be perfectly delimited, since to be plaster, prepared in small quantities in order to the order of the constructive sequence in this type allow its application, at least for the first rowlock. This of temples was continuous in horizontal levels. The is was spread on the header and stretcher faces of 80

the bricks, which were then quickly fixed and pressed in their position for a few seconds, in order for the plaster to set.

3.3 VAULT BRICKING SCHEMES

The careful and direct observation of the intrados and/or extrados of some of the vaults of the studied temples, allowed us to determine their schematic graphic definition, being even able, in some cases, to establish their rowlocks’ sequences. Figure 4. Sail vault Brick disposition on sail vaults: choir of Ribesalbes, organ room Sail vaults were bricked starting from the vertex of the of Suera and dome of Vilar de Canes spaces that delimited them and following concentric rowlocks until reaching the crown.

False groined vault This vault’s formal appearance from its intrados was that of a double groined vault. However, the careful analysis of its extrados revealed that its execution corresponded to that of a sail vault, bricked by concentric rowlocks arranged from its perimeter to the crown. This led to change its initial morphological Figure 5. definition and call it false groined vault, since the Brick disposition on double groined vaults: presbytery of the edges or groins that can be seen in their underside, hermitage of Culla which lent them their name, were the result of an ingenious work of plastering.

Groined vaults with double guiding arches It was the most sophisticated type of vault bricking, reminiscent of the Gothic vaulting, and based on the execution of the main nerves or ribs and the subsequent filling of the timbrel. It consisted on the use of guiding arches that ran diagonally, as well as from the middle of the faces to the opposite ones, with rowlocks of bricks arranged parallel to their perimeters. Their construction started by bricking such guiding arches with a row of solid bricks joined by their stretcher faces, the diagonal arches first, and then those perpendicular to their Figure 6. perimeters. These last ones were bricked as from Brick disposition on groined vaults with guiding arches and the crown of the discharging arches, which were rowlocks parallel to their perimeter: roof of the Communion made of solid bricks with stretcher bond. Then, the chapel of Vila-real 81 Vitruvio International journal of Architecture Technology and Sustainability Volume 3 Is 1

proper vault bricking started from the corners, over the guiding arches, allowing the latter to protrude on the underside. This type of vaults featured different panels joint by groins, the depth of which depended on the discharge arches.

Groined vaults with diagonal guiding arches It was a more rudimentary type of construction, but still somehow reminiscent of Gothic structures. The construction of this type of vaults began by bricking the guiding arches with solid bricks bound Figure 7. on their header face and arranged according to the diagonals of the surfaces to be covered. The vault Brick disposition on groined vaults with guiding arches and was then completed by contiguous rowlocks of bricks brick rowlocks parallel to them: vaults on the lateral naves of Culla arranged parallel to the guiding arches.

Groined vaults with guiding arches from face to face Just as in the previous examples, the guiding arches were bricked first, with solid bricks bound on their header faces. However, in this case, they ran from one face to the opposite. The vault was then completed with parallel rowlocks of bricks, flush to the guiding arches, being especially circumspect that the joints of their header faces were not aligned.

Groined vault with rowlocks perpendicular to the Figure 8. sides and no guiding arches Brick disposition on groined vaults with guiding arches and These vaults consisted on solid brick rowlocks bound brick rowlocks perpendicular to the perimeter: lateral naves of to each other on their header faces and arranged Culla parallel to the sides that determined the area to be covered, meeting in the groins. This system, which might seem relatively simple, in practice, however, presented problems of precision, which ought to be dealt with by means of irregularly arranged pieces on the vaults’ groins.

Rowlocks parallel to the sides and no guiding arches This type of vaults were bricked with correlative rowlocks parallel to their perimeter. The first rows to be bricked were those located next to the perimeter, then placing the following ones by Figure 9. means of hollow bricks perforated on their header Brick disposition on groined vaults with header work bricks: organ hall of Castell de Cabres 82

faces. Based on its morphology and chronology, it is safe to say that this model might have been highly influenced by the treatise of Choisy 1883: figure 118.

Barrel vaults with double guiding arches The suggested constructive process was similar to that of the groined vaults. First of all, the diagonal guiding arches were built by means of solid bricks joined on their header faces, followed by the guiding arrches that ran from one arch crown to the opposite one. Finally, the vaults panels were completed with Figure 10. rowlocks of bricks arranged parallel to the sides, and Brick disposition on groined vaults with correlative rowlocks of bound on their header faces, right above the guiding bricks parallel to their perimeter: reconstructed vaults of the arches. lateral naves of Vilar de Canes The smaller sides of these vaults were lightened by stretcher-bond arches, the thickness of which determined the separation of the vault’s upstand brickwork, which was separated from the downstand one by means of load bearing partitions.

Barrel vaults with rowlocks of bricks parallel to their largest sides This constructive process consisted on the arrangement of rowlocks of solid bricks, bound on their header faces, parallel to their largest sides. These rowlocks were simultaneously built from both Figure 11. sides, meeting at the crown, which was then bricked Brick disposition on barrel vaults with guiding arches: Vila-real’s with irregularly arranged ceramic pieces. This type roof of constructive process was normally used for small vaults.

Barrel vaults with lunettes and rowlocks parallel to their perimeter The construction of these vaults started by bricking their perimeter and continued with rowlocks of bricks parallel to them, with the additional complexity of having to take into account the double curvature corresponding to the two cylinders that intersected (the one of the nave vault and the one of the lunettes). Figure 12. Probably influenced by the Treaty of Choisy (1883): figure 119. Brick disposition on barrel vaults with horizontal rowlocks: apse of Benifairó de les Valls 83 Vitruvio International journal of Architecture Technology and Sustainability Volume 3 Is 1

Domes Essentially, the bricks that made up the domes were arranged just like in sail vaults, that is, in concentric rowlocks. However, we established three characteristics that differentiated them from each other: sȩ Whether they were inner or outer domes. Inner domes were not visible from the outside, they were sheltered under the roof and work independently from it. On the contrary, outer domes were visible Figure 13. from the outside and considered structural roof Brick disposition on barrel vaults with lunettes: Rebuilt vaults of elements. The treatment of their extrados, depended the central nave in Vilar de Canes on whether they projected or not to the outside. Inner domes were covered with plaster mortar, while outer domes were treated just like the roof, with the exterior The analysis of the abutment systems used in the surface finish generally being a layer of glazed blue different cases studied suggested the greater or curved tiles. lesser formation of their master builders. Whilst there sȩ Its greater or lesser cant (raise to span ratio) was only reliable evidence of the knowledge of the This feature allowed for their classification in treaty of Friar Lorenzo de San Nicolás by Juan José semicircular, slightly stilted, and two-thirds stilted Nadal, the architect of the archpriestal church of Vila- domes. real (GIL 2004: 334), in view of the results obtained sȩ Their number of brick layers in other construction areas, it was possible to assume It could be assumed that inner domes consisted of just their knowledge of other treaties dating from the one layer of bricks, however, this statement was found seventeenth and eighteenth centuries (HUERTA 2004: not to be so assertive with regards to outer domes, 250-251). since they could have one or two. Thanks to the inspection of the extrados of the The only outer dome of which there was evidence vaulted areas, we were able to establish the use of the of its constructive composition is that of the Vila-real following abutment systems: crossing. It consisted of an upstand and a downstand made of rowlocks of solid bricks bound on both sides. Spring filling These two layers were linked by on-edge solid brick In all the temples, vault haunches used compact fillers, load bearing partitions, with a separation of about 30 capable of carrying the imposed loads. In general, the cm (VILA et al., 2016). On the outside, it was finished thickness of the spring’s filling could be estimated with blue-glazed tiles. around 1/3 of the vaults’ height.

3.4 ABUTMENT ELEMENTS Stiffeners A wide range of materials were used for the construction Abutment elements were pivotal for the stability of of these elements, on the one hand attending to the the vaults. Although it was necessary to establish a means available and to the surrounding materials and, direct relationship between the types of vaults and on the other hand, to the master builders’ know-how. their abutment systems, the research carried out in In this sense, we observed: partitions of up to situ on the intrados of the vaults of the 18th century approximately 2/3 the height of the vaults in Cinctorres Valencian hall churches, highlighted the different and Vila-real. Round wood logs acting as braces in solutions provided by their master builders. Vilar de Canes and Culla. Likewise, the load bearing 84

partitions supporting the roofs of Les Coves de 4.1 TYPES OF DAMAGES Vinromà, Suera, San Vicente de Piedrahita and Vila- real could also be considered counterfort elements. The vaults studied featured, basically, two types of damages: fissures and humidity. Almost all the vaults Filling of the domes’ spring researched suffered or had suffered the consequences The spring of the vaulted domes of the temples of of water entering through the roof, however, since this Benifairó de les Valls, Cinctorres, Culla, San Vicente could be consider an indirect cause and a result of de Piedrahita, Montán and Vilar de Canes were their conservation condition, this type of damage was extended, the last two of which were also reinforced not further developed, thus focusing the study on the along their perimeter by a wall, arranged from pillar damages inherent to vaults and domes: the fissures. to pillar, which, in some occasions, like in Montán, was also filled. 4.2 FISSURES ON VAULTS

Point load on the pillars The fissures present in the vaults were observed both All the pillars of the temples with roofs formed by in the timbrel, following the axis of the main nave wooden frameworks, as well as with the extensions (40%) and, depending on the beds, to one third of needed to support the roof slab, carried the weight the imposts (17.65%), and on the transverse (64.7%) of the roofs in the form of punctual loads, which and longitudinal (11.76%) arches of the central nave. produced a centring effect resulting from the thrusts We also found fissures around the lunettes (11.76%), of the vaults. as well as around elements that carried specific loads such as pillars or jambs (23.53%), and contour fissures The abutment systems used complied with the (47%). advice given by Friar Lorenzo de San Nicolás in his The most serious fissures found were those on the treatise: filling of the springings, use of stiffeners and arches of the central nave in Suera (5.8%), around the staggered alignment of the spherical domes (Huerta lunettes in San Vicente de Piedrahita, and the contour 1999: 88, 250-251). The use of point charges to centre fissures found in Culla and Vilar de Canes. the results of the stresses, although not included in the aforementioned treaty, was already done in Gothic 4.3 FISSURES ON DOMES AND SAIL VAULTS architecture. It should also be noted that estimations performed for the analysis of the stability of these This type of vaulting was characterized by fissures vaults showed their importance in this regard (Sáez on its meridians and parallels, as well as on its toral 2013: 549-5552). arches, transverse and longitudinal. The fissures found on the domes’ webs were usually radial, located around their meridians (23.5%), and around their parallels to a lesser extent (11.75%) and, 4. VAULT PATHOLOGY ANALYSIS in some cases, even intersecting in both directions (29.4%) The damages subject of this chapter are the result of With regards to the arches, practically all the transverse direct observation and bibliographic research, the arches featured fissures on their crown (82.35%), latter also allowing us to verify their degree of stability while they were found on longitudinal arches to a in those cases in which a recent restoration prevented much lesser extent (29.4%). It is worth mentioning their appreciation. that the previous types of fissures were never found simultaneously. 85 Vitruvio International journal of Architecture Technology and Sustainability Volume 3 Is 1

Fissure BG CC CL CP CS LA MA PA QM RC SA VB VE VG VJ VL VV VAULT

a-CN (x) X (x) X X X X X

1/3p-CN X X X

ta-CN X X X X X X X X X X X

la-CN XX X

l X XX

pi X X X X

o X XX X (x) X X XX (x) CUPPOLE, GOINED

mm X X X X

pp X X

ta X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

la X X X X X X LEGEND

a: axis, CN: Central Nave, l: lunettes, la: longitudinal arch, o: outline, p: panel, pi: pillars, ta: transverse arch, mm: meridian, pp: parallel XX (muy afectadas), X (afectadas), (x) (poco afectadas) Table 3. Fissures

4.4 ASSESSMENT OF THE VAULTS CONDITION two types of fissures, 11.76% three, 23.53% four and 5.88% five. Areas of fissure concentration On the whole, the most fissured areas were found to Causes be the central naves, being more pronounced in the Generally speaking, the fissures found in the vaults vicinity of the crossings, although in Castell de Cabres, were the result of the descending movement of their Suera or San Vicente de Piedrahita we found fissures support points. Although the study of each case would all over the temple, and in Culla and Vilar de Canes provide more specific data, it was not the subject of they were concentrated in the perimeter. this investigation, so we opted for providing some The severity of some fissures, like the contour ones in brief information on the matter, in order to shed light the hermitage of Culla and in the archpriestal church on the main causes. of Vila-real, as well as in the arches between the main In Castell de Cabres, part of the vault covering nave and the lateral ones in the parish church of Suera, the organ hall had collapsed, allowing us to verify and of those surrounding the lunettes in San Vicente the coarseness of its construction, which could be de Piedrahita should be stressed. considered the cause thereof. On the other hand, 17.65% of the temples did not show any fissures during the use of a different kind of vaulting from the other the data collection period, while 82.35% showed some temples in the central nave could be the reason for type of cracking. Furthermore, 17.65% of the temples the type of fissures observed in the lateral naves. At featured at least one of the aforementioned fissures, this point, mention should be made of the similarity one that could be considered minor and another one between the type of fissures and the condition of this considered serious. 23.53% of the temples featured temple and that of the hermitage of San Marcos de 86

Olocau del Rey, which is not a hall church, but the 5.2 CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIALS vaults of which were the work of the same builder, Fernando Molinos. They were bricked vaults, bound by grout and finished The source of the fissures found in the churches with plaster, arranged in 1, 2 and 3 rowlocks. of Suera and San Vicente de Piedrahita could be There was a generalized use of 2-rowlock-vaults attributed to the load bearing partitions in their roofs, during the second half of the 18th century, evolving carrying huge direct loads, which, although very towards a one-rowlock type of vaulting in the mid- distributed, would cause great deformation of the twentieth century. vaults and arches. The studied vaults made up a huge array of vault Furthermore, the fissures found around specific bricking technique examples. constructive elements could be indicative of their We observed an evolution of the vaulting systems descent, either because of the removal of the adjacent that went from the coarseness of the organ hall vault building (Benifairó de les Valls), due to the land slope of Castell de Cabres, to the impeccable execution of or as a result of the excessive weight of the tower those of Vila-real, or the more recent perfection of the (Ribesalbes). reconstructed vaults of Vilar de Canes. The application of the recommendations of Friar 5. CONCLUSION Lorenzo de San Nicolás, with respect to the abutment systems, seemed unanimous in terms of the filling of 5.1 MORPHOLOGY spring of vaults and domes.

This research allowed us to verify the use of specific 5.3 PATHOLOGY: FISSURES types of vaults depending on the area of the temple to be covered, concluding that the most common type The type of fissures affecting the vaults of the temples of vaulting in these churches were barrel vaults with studied the most were those running through the straight lunettes in the central naves and in the aligned naves axis and beds, on the arches and around the transepts; groined vaults on the lateral naves and sail lunettes or elements carrying point loads, as well as vaults and semicircular inner domes and stilted outer their outline. domes on octagonal drum. The most fissured areas were located in the transverse Moreover, we were able to classify the vaults of the arches of the main naves and crossings. hall churches in three phases: Those finished between The level of damage was quantified in minor, 1750 and 1760, under the influence of Aragon; those moderate and severe fissures, the most serious being completed between the 1770s and 1780s, which detected in the naves (on the longitudinal arches and represented an aesthetically undefined period, and around the lunettes and vaults). those built during the 1790s, marked by the academic Although the percentage of vaults with no fissures was influence. much lower than that with fissures, we established that this type of damages were not to be understood as an imminent threat to the vaults stability, since in most cases they were stable fissures. However, we do feel it would be necessary to monitor and take preventive measures on some of them. 87 Vitruvio International journal of Architecture Technology and Sustainability Volume 3 Is 1

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Pitarch Roig, A y Sáez Riquelme, B. (2009). La cúpula de Villahermosa del Río, en el inicio de la construcción academicista. In Huerta et al. Actas del Sexto Congreso Nacional de Historia de la construcción, Thank you to all the bishoprics, parish priests and Vol. II, Instituto Juan de Herrera, Madrid. individual who facilitated our research by providing us access to the temples subject of this study. Ricci, M. (2004). La cúpula, las máquinas y otros en la Florencia de Brunelleschi. Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Valencia.

Sáez Riquelme, B. (2013). Iglesias salón valencianas del XVIII: le- REFERENCES vantamiento gráfico, análisis geométrico y constructivo, patología común (Tesis). Universitat Jaume I, Castellón. Bautista i García, J. D. (2002). Esglésies-saló del segle XVIII a les co- Sáez Riquelme, B. (2017). Formal features of 18th century valencian marques valencianes. Fundación Dávalos-Fletcher, Castellón. hall churches. EGA. Revista de expresión gráfica arquitectónica (29). DOI: 10.4995/ega.2017.1463 Bérchez Gómez, J. (1987). Los comienzos de la arquitectura académi- ca en Valencia: Antonio Gilabert. Federico Doménech, S.A. Valencia. Sáez Riquelme, B. y Pitarch Roig, A.M. (2012). Algunas lesiones co- munes de las iglesias salón: San Pedro en Cinctorres, San Jaime en Bérchez Gómez, J. y Corell Farinos, V. (1981). Catálogo de Diseños Vila-real, San Martín en Callosa de Segura. In 4º Congreso internacio- de Arquitectura de la Real Academia de BB.AA. de San Carlos de nal de patología y rehabilitación de edificios. PATORREB Valencia. 1768-1846. Colegio Oficial de Arquitectos de Valencia y Murcia, Valencia. Sáez Riquelme, B. y Pitarch Roig, A.M. (2015). Combination of technologies for architectural planning. Parish church of Portell. Re- Choisy, A. (1883). L’art de batir chez les byzantins, in Calvo López, J. vista de Expresión Gráfica Arquitectónica, 9. ISSN: 1888-8143 (2012) Cantería y albañilería en los tratados de arquitectura y la prác- tica constructiva, Seminario Albañilería frente a cantería. Materiales, Soler Verdú, R. y Soler Estrela, A. (2012). Navegando por el trasdós técnica y mecánica estructural. 23-24 marzo 2012, Universidad Po- de las bóvedas tabicadas: tipos constructivos y noticia de artefactos litécnica de Valencia, Valencia. construidos. In Construyendo bóvedas tabicadas, Actas del Simpo- sio sobre Bóvedas tabicadas. Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Gil Saura, Y. (2004). Arquitectura Barroca en Castellón. Diputación Valencia. de Castellón, Castellón. Thomson Llisterri, T. (2006). Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor de Al- Fornés y Gurrea, M. (1841). Observaciones sobre la práctica del arte cañiz. Centro de Estudios Bajoaragoneses, Alcañiz. de edificar. Imprenta Cabrerizo, Valencia. Thunnissen, H. (2012). Bóvedas: su construcción y empleo en la con- Fray Lorenzo de San Nicolás (1663). Arte y uso de Architectura. 2ª strucción. Instituto Juan Herrera, Madrid. Parte. Vegas Lopez, F. & Mileto, C. (2012). Guastavino y el eslabón perdido, Huerta Fernández, S. (2004). Arcos, bóvedas y cúpulas. Geometría in Construyendo bóvedas tabicadas, Simposio sobre Bóvedas tabi- y equilibrio en el cálculo tradicional de estructuras de fábrica. Tesis. cadas. Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Valencia. Instituto Juan de Herrera, Madrid. Vila Estébez, D.; Soler Estrela, A; Sáez Riquelme B. (2016). Los planos Huerta Fernández, S. (1999). La mecánica de las Bóvedas tabicadas originales de la Iglesia Arciprestal de Vila-Real. Interpretación con- en su contexto histórico: la aportación de los Guastavino, in Huer- structiva de la cúpula dibujada. In Dibujar, Construir, Soñar. Tirant Lo ta Las bóvedas de Guastavino en América, Instituto Juan Herrera, Blanc, Valencia. Madrid.

Más Torrecillas, V. J. (2008). Arquitectura social y estado entre 1939 y 1957. La dirección general de regiones devastadas. Tesis doctoral, UNED.

Martínez Frías, J.M. (1980). El gótico en Soria. Arquitectura y escultu- ra monumental, Salamanca. Diputación provincial, Salamanca.